I've lost count of the number of Guitar Retreats I have been on over the years - must be about a dozen - and one thing that they have all had in common - apart from expert tuition from the likes of Paul Nicholas - are the terrific venues. The venue for my most recent retreat in Ross-on-Wye was spectacular. Glewston Court is a beautiful 18th Century Country House set in the wonderful Hereford countryside.

The weekend centred around Americana and the music of artists such as Johnny Cash, Bob Dylan and Paul Simon, The Eagles, Neil Young and Joni Mitchell. The tuition from both Paul and Stu was to its usual high standard and the elegant surroundings of the house and grounds made this a truly memorable weekend.

I came away with a fistful of new songs and techniques which I have been busily practsing since returning home and hope to have these perfected for my next Guitar Retreat in January - this time in Portugal!